..and yet another Visayan Sword

[Spunjer]

Battara,

thanks for that tidbit. i wasn't aware of that...

R.C.

yes, i've read the Macachor/Nepangue theory and it is very interesting. granted it's been defended by lots of people that FMA has been in the philippines since pre spanish times but it does kinda make you think the possibility of the creation of this was due to the need of the people to defend themselves against marauders.
going back to the sword: it is kinda odd why advertise the owner's faith on it (cross). couple things: could be the christian version of anting-anting, or some sort of identity against a different religion (in this case, islam), kinda like a coat of arms...

[VVV]

Spunjer,

I find your anting-anting assumption very probable.
When in Negros I saw some of the Visayan versions of anting-anting and they were based on old Latin texts and Catholic symbols.

Michael

[Spunjer]

thanks for your feedback, mike. i know what you mean about christian anting-antings. they are indeed heavy in catholic symbols and latin texts, as one can see on the agimats sold in Quiapo...